Specialist: Laboratory - Science

Specialist: Laboratory - Science

Salary

$21.88 - $24.60 Hourly

Location

East Campus - 8181 E Irvington Rd, Tucson, AZ

Job Type

Staff

Job Number

2026-HR-IR-H10494-00280

Department

MC-Science Division

Opening Date

07/08/2026

Closing Date

7/29/2026 5:00 PM Arizona

Grade

3

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Were excited you are considering a position with us. We welcome and celebrate the expansive experiences and contributions that all members of our campus community bring to the table, whether shaped by career history, academic study, or community engagement.

Were committed to a fair and transparent hiring process. For more information about working at Pima Community College, visit the Pima Careers page.

All employees are expected to live and work within the state of Arizona as a condition of employment. All selected candidates are subject to a successful completion of a background check.

The data we collect during the application process is used to evaluate your qualifications for the role youre applying for. All data is handled with strict confidentiality and in accordance with our privacy policy.

Position Summary

The Lab Specialist - Micro/BIO works in the instructional areas of the natural/physical sciences performing a variety of skilled technical support duties across multiple scientific disciplines and is responsible for the organization and operation of assigned laboratory preparation areas.

Organizes lab experiments and/or related exercises and implements safety procedures. Oversees inventory of supplies, equipment, and other materials needed for daily operations of the lab or assigned space. Completes assigned technical duties as a (microbiology, biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and geology) laboratory specialist.

The work schedule for this position is flexible and may include working evenings and weekends. Although this position is housed at the East Campus, the specialist may be scheduled at other campuses as required.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Creates instructions for how to prepare and set up science courses experiments. Maintains experiment schedules and inventories using the Laboratory Information Management System Compiles and analyzes reports, statistics, and recommendations. Writes chemical and media recipes including disposal of chemical and biochemical reagents
• Provides the necessary training to science lab staff of standard laboratory techniques as directed by the Science Laboratory Supervisor. Practices appropriate lab safety procedures and looks for ways to minimize lab hazards. Cross trains in other Division of Sciences disciplines
• Oversees chemical and/or biological stocks. Handles and reports hazardous waste disposal following institutional and governmental guidelines. Maintains and keeps SDS files up to date
• Participates and coordinates the preparation and cleanup of materials and equipment for (microbiology, biology, chemistry, physics, engineering and geology or other assigned area) experiments
• Assess classroom needs and acquire material and equipment for classrooms. Purchase of materials/equipment as approved. Receives, verifies, and enters order information into the Laboratory Information Management System
• Collaborates with Science Faculty and Science Laboratory Supervisor to research, create or troubleshoot classroom science experiments, and evaluate material/equipment needs. Participates in Division of Sciences outreach events
• Utilizes and maintains specialized laboratory equipment to prepare materials for experiments and the classroom
• Participates and coordinates the cleaning and stocking of classrooms, prep areas, and Learning Lab. Identifies and oversees the end-of-semester tasks of laboratory areas
• May provide lab supervision as delegated by Laboratory Supervisor including day-to-day direction of activities and tasks of lab technicians and aides when Lab Supervisor is not available
• Actively participates in the Division of Sciences Laboratory Specialist Working Group (microbiology, biology, chemistry, physics, engineering and geology)
• Participates in professional development and continues education of to keep aware of changes or advances in assigned discipline
• Performs all other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor

Job Requirements/Qualifications

• Associate degree in closely related field of study and
• One to three years of related experience in a science laboratory

or

• An equivalent combination of certification, education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in science or closely related field of study
• Three to five years of laboratory related experience in an institution of higher learning

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong technical knowledge and hands-on experience in the methodologies that are involved in the preparation of culturing, identifying, isolating, staining, and safe disposal of microbiological organisms
• Hands-on experience with DNA extraction, PCR and gel electrophoresis
• Math used in the preparation of chemical and reagent solutions
• Safe handling and storage of hazardous chemicals and biological materials
• Federal, state, and local regulations and guidelines for working in a science laboratory
• Proper use and care of laboratory equipment such as micropipettes, pH meters, microscopes, centrifuges, autoclaves, Nanodrop, PCR, etc.
• Work as part of a team
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance principles and practices
• Knowledge of internal and external customer service principles and practices
• Knowledge of laboratory techniques
• Knowledge and application of various instructional methodologies
• Skill in effective communication (both written and oral)
• Skill in organization, coordination, and management
• Skill in problem solving
• Ability to develop and maintain effective and positive working relationships
• Ability to operate relevant equipment required to complete assigned responsibilities for the position

Physical Requirements:

Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a non-traditional setting; to stand for prolonged periods of time; to frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate (up to 20 pounds) amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement to include use of a computer keyboard; to operate various equipment required to perform job; and to verbally communicate to exchange information. May be exposed to various hazardous conditions such as infectious disease, chemicals, or moving mechanical parts, etc.

If you require assistance, or a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities, please do not hesitate to contact Pima Community College Human Resources.

Human Resources Contact Information:

• Phone: (520) 206-4624
• TTY: (520) 206-4530
• Email: hr@pima.edu

Pima Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

Comprehensive Benefits for a Meaningful Career

Pima Community College is proud to offer a robust benefits package that supports the health and well-being of our employees.

Full-time employees are eligible for a wide range of benefits, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Retirement plans and deferred compensation options

• Flexible spending accounts

• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage

• Generous paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave

Temporary employees who work twenty (20) or more hours per week for more than nineteen (19) weeks in a fiscal year are required to participate in one of the following retirement plans: Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) or the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP).

To explore the full range of benefits and plan options, please visit our Benefits Page

01

Did you graduate from high school or receive a GED Certificate?

• Yes
• No

02

This position does not provide sponsorship for an employment visa. Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for an employment visa?

• Yes
• No

03

You must be 18 years or older to apply for this position. Are you at least 18 years of age?

• Yes
• No

04

All employees are expected to live and work within the state of Arizona as a condition of employment. Do you currently reside in or plan to relocate to Arizona?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have an Associates degree or higher?

• Yes
• No

06

How many years of experience do you have in organizing lab experiments and/or related exercises and implementing safety procedures.

• Less than 1 year
• 1-3 years
• 3+ years

Required Question

Employer Pima Community College District (AZ)

Address 4905 East Broadway Blvd.

Building D, Room 102

Tucson, Arizona, 85709-1180

Phone (520) 206-4624

(520)206-4500

Website https://pima.edu/pima-jobs/contact-us.html